Buxton athletes returned some fantastic results after a weekend of cross country and fell racing, with strong performances at every level of competition.

The third fixture of the North Staffordshire Cross Country League at Park Hall Country Park saw Amy Clark improve her overall finishing position yet again, and this time storming home in a brilliant second place from a field well in excess of 200 runners. Likewise, Amy Mellor has been steadily advancing through the field at each of the three races, from 45^th down to 23^rd and now 18^th, a sure sign of returning form. Tania Wilson demonstrated her strength at cross country, and particularly on the hills and in the finishing straight, with a 41^st position overall, while Katie Rolfe powered her way to 58^th place, completing the team. Buxton Ladies fielded 13 runners in total, including Jo Cudahy, Adele Thornton, Ruth Gower, Kate Brown, Kate Ledin, Heather Fryer-Winder, Bev Golden, Sarah Soles and Charlie Narejko.

Alasdair Campbell matched Clark’s performance with a tremendous second finishing position in the Men’s race, and from nine Buxton runners, was first home for the team. Rob White, Richard Bouglas, Andy Lidstone, Neil Pearsons and Richard Goff completed the six-man team, with Pete Bailey, Stefan Ledin and Tim Rolfe completing the Buxton contingent.   More than 300 runners took part.

Both Campbell and White travelled up to West Yorkshire the following day, returning with sparkling results after taking part in the Wadsworth Half Trog held out of Hebden Bridge. On a clear, sunny and dry day, conditions were favourable, an advantage given that neither were familiar with the hilly area. Taking their lead from other local runners, both worked hard over the 9.3 mile course which circles Wadsworth and Midgley moors above the quirky market town, covering almost 1400 feet of ascent. On the final descent, Campbell easily maintained his second placing, resulting in both himself and the ultimate winner finishing well inside the previous course record. The winner, Karl Gray of Calder Valley, finished in 1 hour, 9 minutes and 29 seconds, while Campbell was a mere 6 seconds behind. White, taking advantage of a direct route through tussocky heather on the final descent, finished in a third place in a fine time of 1.18.26.

A quartet of Buxton AC athletes headed south to take part in the Bakewell Parkrun on Saturday, and claiming a personal best time for the course was Sam Willis who finished in 22.20, with a 44^th placing out of 232 runners. Liam Browne was 55^th in 23.12. Justin Holmes finished in 26.31, while partner Gill Thompson completed the run in 27.59.

Prolific racer Tracy Gregory completed her second marathon in two weeks last weekend, taking part in the unique “Maravan” Marathon at Cleethorpses which covers seven laps of a virtually deserted caravan park in the area, finishing just under the five hour mark.